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Birds Nest in my fuschia, how to keep watering it?

8 years ago

I’ve discovered a bird building a nest in my hanging fuschia by my front door. I can understand why she’s doing it; it’s secluded and dry. That spot doesn’t get any rain and I’ll need to water it daily now the days are getting hotter. What should I do?

Featured Answer

Joan Marjorie
Original Author

8 years ago

She's done a very fine job building her nest. We'll take your suggestions and water carefully from the sides. Seems appropriate to have discovered this on Mother's Day! Thanks for all your responses :-)

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Comments (8)

Embothrium
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Keep watering it, unless you are willing to let the plant die for the sake of the nest. Even then if it shrivels and drops all its leaves the concealment the bird is making use of will no longer be there anyway.

If you water from the side only maybe the nest and eggs will actually float up and settle back down again each time, I don't know. Or maybe you could water more slowly, in sections, so that the nest isn't flooded.
Joan Marjorie thanked Embothrium
User
8 years ago
I’ve had nests many times in hanging baskets/pots and I just watered very slowly on the opposite side of the nest (or as far away as possible). It’s never hurt the plants or eggs. I love getting to watch the babies. :)
Joan Marjorie thanked User
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Sammy
8 years ago
How far along is the nest construction? Can we see a picture?
Joan Marjorie thanked Sammy
Sammy
8 years ago
I have too, Miz_G, although my pots weren’t hanging. As I recall, I think I used a watering can filled with tepid or cool water from an inside sink as opposed to using the cold water from the garden hose fitted with an attachment.
Joan Marjorie thanked Sammy
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
8 years ago
If no eggs have been laid yet, you can move it, destroy it if you need to. I don't allow birds to build nests near my front door.

If the eggs are already present, you'll just have to do the best you can.
Joan Marjorie thanked rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
Embothrium
8 years ago
Since it's a completed nest with nothing in it I suspect it may have been abandoned at this point anyway.
Joan Marjorie thanked Embothrium
Joan Marjorie
Original Author
8 years ago
No, she was in there and flew away when we went to take a picture. We think it's a finch. She's been very busy today.

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